COUNCILLORS are planning to ration alcohol licences in Rayleigh because of a surge in trouble, which has left the town “like a bomb ready to explode” according to a restaurateur.

Rochford District Council’s licensing committee is planning to change policies to reduce the number of drinking places in the High Street.

With the closure of nightclubs in Basildon and others undergoing refurbishment, more and more people are heading to Rayleigh.

The recent increase in trouble at weekends has been attributed to this influx from Basildon and further afield.

Michael Hoy, a councillor on the licensing committee, said: “Rayleigh is becoming the default place to drink, with the number of drinking establishments in Rayleigh starting to cause a real problem in the area.”

The councillor proposed a policy that would temporarily make it harder for new premises to gain an alcohol licence.

Mr Hoy was supported by other councillors at the committee.

He said: “The draft policy states any new applicant within the area will have to demonstrate the new license will not add to existing problems.”

The policy is yet to go to consultation and will need to be voted on by councillors.

The owner of a town restaurant said the problem was very real but he didn’t think it was caused by too many licensed premises.

He said: “There is a problem in Rayleigh. Lots of people are coming here to drink.

“There are about 1,500 people on the streets on a Saturday night and not enough police.

“Rayleigh is a bomb ready to explode.

“I don’t think there are too many establishments.

“As a business it wouldn’t bother me if there were more.

Our business will not be affected by more licensed premises.

Tory councillor Ian Ward, said: “People are coming from Romford, Ilford and Stratford to go out in Rayleigh.

“We are protecting the town, a very successful town, and we are the victims of our own success.

“In Rayleigh there are great pubs and clubs, so lots of people are coming here, we just need to make sure it’s a safe environment.

“The more establishments you have, the more difficult it makes policing.”

Karl Watson, chairman of Rayleigh Chamber of Trade, denied there was a problem with Rayleigh nightlife.

He said: “There’s a pub watch scheme that helps to deal with the night-time economy.

“Rayleigh hasn’t got a problem, it is doing really well.

“There are lots of businesses in Rayleigh with licenses at the moment, so where do you draw the line?”